Woodchuck

Marmota monax

Woodchuck. Photo:Ministere de Loisirs, Chasse, et Peche, Jardin Botanique de Montreal

The most common of all members of the Marmota genus, the woodchuck can be found throughout Canada from coast to coast. Only in recent times has the woodchuck become this well distributed, as it is one of the mammals to profit from forest harvesting practices. In the past it was an uncommon denizen of the climax forest, but due to the logging practices of humans it has thrived on regenerating forest vegetation. With the near-extirpation of most of the woodchuck's major predators such as the cougar and the wolf, the woodchuck population has boomed, making it the most numerous mammal of its size class. Although they will occasionally feed on insects and young birds, woodchucks are primarily grazers, preferring plants such as clover and buckwheat. Although commonly thought of as true hibernators, woodchucks have been seen with regularity to be roaming the forest in midwinter.

Distribution of Woodchuck in Canada